What better way to self deprecate than with Out Takes and Bloopers!

You know, sometimes when you're at a loss for creating content, especially free content, like my series Straight Shootin' with the Big Gun, you do one of two things. You create

1. A Best of Show...

or

2. Out Takes and Bloopers.

Well I chose to create the latter. Ten episodes worth of the funny behind the scenes stuff.

Oh my sides.

So enjoy at my expense.

A New Logo Idea. My identity crisis.

Recently, I started kicking around the notion that my marketing efforts just aren't working. God knows I've spent a fortune creating and promoting myself as the Big Gun. The notion that came from the fact that I've been doing advertising, marketing and voice work for over 20 years. I mean the logo was created by the same Hollywood design and movie poster company that created the graphics and movie posters for everything from Billy Elliot to Sideways to The Wrestler, not to mention the Raiders of the Lost Ark franchise. There was the photo shoot in LA, the travel, the website design, the business cards, letter head...on and on.

The logo was carefully designed with the Neuman 416 Shotgun microphone. Get it Shotgun Microphone. The actual gun I am holding is the real prop gun from the 1972 Dirty Harry Movie. The same one Clint Eastwood gripped oh so many years ago.

Then, because I'm not getting the work I think I should be getting, or the agents I believe I

should be working with, I start second guessing myself. Is it me? Is it my voice? Is it the economy? Hmmmmm it must be my logo. Yeah, that's gotta be it. I know, I'll start from scratch by pulling what I call a "Madonna". After all, she's the queen of reinvention and it works!

So, I started kicking around some new branding ideas. My last name is Victor, so I should go with

something based off the RCA Victor franchise? After all, that was the name I was called, or should I say relentlessly chided by in grade school.

Yeah great. I'll go with that. Besides, I can always use another law suit to give me something to do. So how do I make it my own...I know, I'll throw my trademark hair on the dog that should

change it up. Make it interesting and all. Yeah, that's the ticket and throw some sun glasses on the dog to show how really cool the dog is.

After I paid off the artist I realized what a stupid idea this was. So it was back to the drawing board. Then I thought, why not just go with my name - Ed Victor. Sounds like a great voice over name anyway.

Yeah let me try that.

But like all voice over people this new graphic designer threw the dreaded microphone in. The Microphone is the universal symbol of HE MUST BE A VOICE ACTOR! Right? The name looks fine but another microphone graphic...how pedestrian.

Now here's another idea speaking of microphones. Why not take my trademark hair. One of my most recognizable attributes and throw it on a microphone. I mean shit, it's the best of both worlds right? My hair on a microphone!!! Brilliant.

Yeah...until you see it. Looks like a Mr. Potato Head sort of thing, Or one of those M & M characters. Or a Weeble on a stick. It just doesn't work. Maybe I should change my name to Harry Mike. Yeah, Harold Harry Mike. Chances are Neuman will sue me for infringing on their fucking microphone design. And like I said earlier, just what I need another law suit to pass the time of day with.

So, after all is said and done, I think I'll stick with my original logo. The Big Gun. Unless someone else can come up with something better. This is my friends is my Identity Crisis.

The Client I Just Can't Seem To Get

As a voice talent/on-camera talent. I've been auditioning for the Michigan Lottery for going on 14 years now. That's right...14 years of reading copy about every game the Michigan Lottery has come up with. Last year, I put my foot down and told my agent in Detroit. No more. Do not ever

send me another Lottery Spot to audition for...ever. If you think you want to...don't! Just walk away and tell them I've got a conflict...Like 14 years of wasting my time.

As an aside, over the last 4 years - that's 4 years. I have been the voice of the Florida Lottery, Colorado Lottery, Georgia Lottery, Indiana Lottery and Missouri Lottery. Just to prove I can do LOTTERY!!!

Well, a buddy of mine who owns a film company shot me an email the other day, replete with a storyboard and script...for...you guessed it! THE MICHIGAN LOTTERY. I explained my past 14 year record - A million scripts...0 wins...A million losses. Nonetheless at his urging and his direction of "do whatever you want!" I proudly bring you this...my on camera audition of a shlub who just won a million dollars, yet is still a shlub. So enjoy. I mean hell, I put a half days effort into it, why shouldn't someone else get a kick out of it? Ohhhh and although everybody loved it...needless to say...Yeah - the Creative Director nixed it...I'm guessing, probably cause it wasn't his idea. Whatever dude...whatever. My days of Michigan Lottery Auditions are done! Really...I mean it!

Straight Shootin' with the Big Gun Webisode #10 Branding

When it comes to the voice over business, we're not voice actors, we are BRANDS! So how do you go about branding yourself? What is your USP - Your Unique Selling Proposition? In Webisode #10 Ed Victor, a.k.a., The Big Gun explains the thought process in developing your own brands. Some do's, some don'ts...some don't even think about its. So if your a voice actor and you stuck in the..."gee, I guess I'll just slap an old time microphone on it!" Think Again! And watch this informative and entertaining webisode. Yep Johnny it's Webisode #10! Sit back, enjoy and be a BRAND.

AND DON'T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR VOICE WORK HAT TODAY AT VOICEWORKHATS.COM!

ONLY $24.95 - 100% Cotton Twill in Black or Stone. One size fits all.

The things we get to do in this whacky business

So, today was another good day. And it's always a good day when you're doing voice work. Interestingly enough, today's assignments were voices for an interactive ride - like you'd see at a fair, and a voice over for a machine that makes dog tags. "Soldier, insert your money now!" and "Be Brave! We're Counting on You Soldier!" Huh...who knew. But work is work right?

Beyond that an ISDN hook-up back to Detroit for Ford and now time to write the next webisode of Straight Shootin with the Big Gun...This week's webisode is about Branding Yourself - so until tomorrow. Shake your groove thing soldier!

Straight Shootin' with the Big Gun Webisode #9 Recording Studio Etiquette

Just back from Deeeeeeeeetroit, Michigan, Ed Victor has just posted Webisode #9 of Straight Shootin' with the Big Gun on Recording Studio Etiquette.

These days, most voice actors are working from home. So, what happens when you get the call to head into the studio? Here's a refresher on getting back to basics in a recording session.

Thanks to RMS Studios, in Birmingham, Michigan, USA for letting us use their studios. RMS, now celebrating 20 years!

Check them out at www.rmsdetroit.com.

Thanks again to Randy for his hospitality and Miko for providing the engineering of our session.

Hey and don't forget to buy our Voice Work Hat, as seen in the webisode, now available at VoiceWorkHats.com

Hitting the road!

Well, it's Thursday the 20th, 5:30am and I am hitting the road and heading up to Detroit, my home town to spend time with friends for my birthday. I'll be stopping by my old haunts and to lay down a new webisode of Straight Shootin' with the Big Gun...Coming up - Recording Studio Etiquette - wow spelled that right! At least that is the plan at the moment.

So that being said, I gotta get to the airport - talk to you all in a bit. And don't forget, new Voice Work Hats are available for purchase again!! We sold out on our first foray - so get em while you can! 100% distressed (like me) cotton twill. Their really nice - check it out at http://www.voiceworkhats.com

Later Days. Dudes.

Linkedin Working Voice Actors Group hits 1000 members!

The idea was a simple one; bring together voice actors working in the voice business to share thoughts and exchange ideas on the business of voice work.

The group was started on July 7th, 2008 with a logo, and a handful of voice people. Eight members to be exact. Today we hit 1,000 members - So break out the champagne. Or not. So, if you know someone who would be interested in being a member have them sign up. And be a part of one of the most active groups on Linkedin. Thanks Ed Victor - Owner

I believe you can sign up here...

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=137057&trk=hb_side_g

Our credo: The purpose of this group is to create a forum for true working voice over professionals, both union and non-union talent. The intent is to share and express thoughts and ideas on garnering and retaining new clients. Advice on home studios and recording gear. The latest updates in the business, etc.

Straight Shootin with The Big Gun Webisode #5 How to Get More Work

In Webisode #5, Ed Victor, the Big Gun, explains ways to get more work in the voice over business. Things you can do if you're not already doing them. Networking, Groups, Ad Clubs and more!

And don't forget to order your Voice Work Hat at Voiceworkhats.com! Only $28.95 - Paypal and most major credit cards!

www.voiceworkhats.com

Straight Shootin with The Big Gun Webisode #2 Your Demo

In Webisode #2, Ed Victor, a.k.a., The Big Gun, offers up some tips on making your demo the best it cam be! What to put in and what to leave out. How long, when should you update and more great tips...all to help you put your best demo forward and give the Agents what they want.

And don't forget to order your Voice Work Hat!

Now just $28.95! Includes shipping and handling

Choose Black or Stone. In distressed cotton twill. One size fits all.

Order Yours Today!

VOICEWORKHATS.COM

Paypal and all major credit cards!!!

Webisode #1 Pay to Play Sites

Want to know the real deal about the voice over industry? Get the straight, honest facts from Ed Victor, The Big Gun in Voice Overs. Now you can on Itunes! (Podcasts - Key Word - Ed Victor)

Whether you're just starting out in the voice over business, your a seasoned pro...or somewhere in the middle...Straight Shootin with the Big Gun Webisodes are the real deal.

Webisodes include tips, tools and techniques about everything from creating an effective demo to getting an agent! From using the Pay to Play sites to recording on the road.

Simply go to http://web.me.com/thebiggun/Site/Podcast/Podcast.html and check them out

New episodes added every few weeks or so.

And don't forget to order your Voice Work Hat!

Go on tell 'em what you do!

$28.95 includes shipping and handling

Order Yours at Voiceworkhats.com

Paypal and all major credit cards accepted. Do it now!

Voice Work Hats - Available Again!

Well, well, well. The incredibly popular VOICE WORK hats, that were created to promote the reality show, VOICE WORK, TALK ABOUT A LIVING were sold out after their first run! And in just a few short days.

The Good News!!! New hats are on the way! And orders can be filled immediately!

Don't forget, a portion of each hat's purchase goes directly to the Children's Health Fund - a very worthy organization created by singer/songwriter - Paul Simon, to help kids and their families who can't afford basic health care.

The hats come in either BLACK or STONE color distressed twill cotton. One size fits all. Adjustable D-ring slide on back.

$28.95 including shipping. International Orders are Extra for shipping.

got to

WWW.VOICEWORKHATS.COM

Order yours today!!!!!

QUICK ORDER

Paypal, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

Over Exposure

The other day I was pretty much bitch slapped by my Manager. I was hoping for some good news, perhaps that my LA Agent had finally gotten my a gig after 145 consecutive auditions. Nope. In fact they wanted to drop me??? Yes. It's true! Something about my overexposure. Huh, I thought in this age of free digital speech and marketing, especially in the voice business, this is exactly what you're supposed to do.
Boy was I wrong! They feared I was too out there and was devaluing myself as one of their clients.
What with my Voice Actor Group on Linkedin, my Straight Shootin' webisodes on Itunes, the Reality TV show I've been writing, The accompanying book, The Facebook groups. The Youtube posts, The Twittering...the Voice Work TV Show Hats I've been selling, promoting and donating proceeds from. My monthly newsletter blasts. My networking, traveling, mentoring, tutoring, demo producing.
So, that being said, I have pulled myself from just about everything to see if my stock goes up. I am for all intents and purposes. Dead in the Water.
I'm betting no one really cared then, and no one will care as I slowly fade into digital oblivion. I am certain it won't make a difference.
So, that being said we shall see.